Combat Veterans hold Rick Young Memorial Run
CVMA is comprised of veterans who served during combat
MANITOWOC — Around 200 people participated in Saturday’s Rick Young Memorial Run hosted by the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association Chapter 45-7.
Saturday’s motorcycle ride, which started at Harbor Town Harley-Davidson in Manitowoc, was in honor of Richard "River Rat" Young who died in March 2024 at age 79. Shortly after graduating high school in 1963, Young enlisted in the United States Navy. He was a proud veteran of the Vietnam War having been part of the nucleus crew of the USS Colleton. Following his military service, Young was the founder and owner of multiple companies in Racine before relocating to New Holstein.
Chapter 45-7 of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association (CVMA) is comprised of veterans who served during combat. There are 38 members of the chapter which meets monthly in Sheboygan but has members from the surrounding communities. “In order to be a full-member, you have to be certified as being in combat or combat theater,” said Steve Wimmer, the chapter’s Public Relations Officer. “Our primary function in regards to outreach is to assist veterans get back on their feet.” That is accomplished by helping them get bills caught up so they don't continue to falter. They work with the veteran to stop the downward spiral.
Wimmer spent 16 years in the United States Navy. He enlisted in 1990 and served four years. Wimmer relisted in 2001 after September 11th and he was deployed to Iraq in 2006 with the 1st Battalion, 24th Marines where he was on the frontlines.
The non-profit chapter fundraises throughout the year to provide assistance to fellow veterans who have fallen on hard times. The money stays local and goes a long way in supporting those who have served our country. “We get them plugged into services and programming so they can start the rebuilding process,” added Wimmer.
For more information, visit cvma45-7.org.
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